Drilling contractor Northern Ocean Limited (NOL) has signed a letter of intent with Kinetic Pressure Control to enhance its sixth-generation semi-submersible rigs with a new blowout solution.

Under the alliance, NOL will deploy the K-BOS system on the Deepsea Mira and Deepsea Bollsta rigs.

The partnership with Kinetic Pressure Control, a wellhead and pressure control equipment manufacturer, is aimed at improving well safety and operational efficiency. NOL noted that the K-BOS system is designed to address challenging well conditions such as unshearable and unsealable situations, securing wells in under a second.

This response capability is expected to offer benefits to NOL's clientele, particularly in the ultra-deep water and harsh environment sectors.

The installation of K-BOS on NOL's rigs is also expected to strengthen the drilling company's market position and its ability to secure new contracts.

NOL CEO Arne Jacobsen said: “This is a strategic step for NOL to further enhance the capability of our fleet. The option to offer the K-BOS system to our clients will increase the capability and attractiveness of our drilling units to our discerning clients operating in ultra-deep water and harsh environments.

“We look forward to working with Kinetic’s excellent team to integrate the K-BOS equipment with the existing well control equipment on both our units.”

NOL's decision to outfit its rigs with K-BOS comes amid increasing demand from clients.

Kinetic Pressure Control CEO Steven Angstmann said: “Northern Ocean’s commitment to develop K-BOS solutions for the Deepsea Mira and Deepsea Bollsta highlights the value that this technology brings to our clients.”

“We believe the operators of these units will benefit from K-BOS’s ability to secure the well in all circumstances. K-BOS allows these class-leading rigs to set a new standard for lowering the risk of a major spill to as low as reasonably practicable. We look forward to working with the great team at NOL on these projects.”